The total area of papaya reduced by 16.1% in 2013 against the previous year, totaling 14,100 acres, continues to decrease year by year. According to employees of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), high production costs, mainly labor, have discouraged investments in the last year. Another factor was the high volatility in the market.
Although producers remain wary, investments may be higher in 2014, especially in renovation of old plantations. Quotations, although quite volatile, have been above the estimated cost to producers for much of 2013. Espírito Santo State, the average value of papaya Hawaii type 12-18 was 93% above the estimated minimum value during the period. The forecast for the area Cepea papaya in 2014 is increased only in the north of Minas Gerais. In other regions, the area should be stable.
Productivity
Average yield of papaya in northern Minas Gerais has shown a decrease since 2010, while the Cepea region – observed a 34% decrease. In 2013, flowers aborted due to the dry and hot climate of the beginning of the year. The lowest temperatures between July and September also influenced the decline in productivity.
Papaya production should be higher by the end of 2013 than the previous year’s levels, reflecting the fall in supply. Until August, the fruit was being sold on average are lower than on 2012. With the rapid ripening papaya would be harvested at the end of the year had already been harvested and marketed.
Seed
The seed supply from Taiwan reduced in Brazil between April and August 2013. Employees say this was not the first time that this item has failed. However, report that there is still no national alternative that can meet domestic demand. Thus, the Brazilian market remains dependent on Taiwan, the largest exporter of seeds. Mamonicultores believe that the period of low seed supply should influence the prices in early 2014. As the foot papaya takes at least eight months to get into production, is forecasting lower availability of taiwan between January and May 2014, when prices may be more remunerative. Since many producers have not kept considerable stock of seeds the planting of the variety was affected in all producing regions. Thus, some producers that needed planting opted for Hawaii, especially in the Holy Spirit.
Exports
Papaya Brazilian exports totaled 23,000 tonnes from January to October 2013, up 9% from the same period last year, according to data from the Department of (Secex). Revenue from sales was $ 34.5 million in the period, up 14%. The increase in shipments was given, especially in the first half of the year, when quality was more satisfactory. Moreover, Brazilian exporters of papaya have invested more in campaigns to increase knowledge about the foreign consumer of Brazilian fruit. Adding to this, the high dollar favored shipments. Another important point was the conquest of new consumers of Brazilian papayas markets such as Qatar. For 2014, both fruit quality as competition with the internal market influence Brazilian exports of papaya. The prediction of more remunerative prices in the domestic market in early 2014 tends to limit shipments, but producers should still beware the dollar.
Source: Rural Br Agricultura